Worship Programs

Theme:

"Hope of Earth, Joy of Heaven"

Second Sunday in Advent -

Reading for Candle Lighting

Heaven on Earth!

PEACE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS!

First reader:               Today we observe the second Sunday in Advent by lighting the “Christ candle” and the second purple candle.  This candle represents peace, and we light it together with the candle of hope which was first lit last Sunday.  The combined light of these candles reminds us that God’s light brightens our lives.

Second reader:        The prophet Isaiah spoke of the coming of the Messiah who would be called the Prince of Peace. 

Third reader:             “Peace I leave with you,” said the Prince of Peace, “my peace I give       you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

First reader:             On Christmas Day, during the First World War, fighting was temporarily suspended.  British troops, hunkered down in the trenches, began to sing “Silent night, holy night.”  In the silence that     followed, from across the battlefield they heard voices singing the    same song of Christmas in the German language, “Stille nacht, heilige nacht.”  It was a blessed moment of peace in the midst of          conflict.

Second reader:        Although we may not see world peace in our lifetime, by the grace of        God we may have inner peace during our earthly existence.

Third reader:             Peace came down at Christmas!

Prayer:

            Peace in our time, O Lord, to all the peoples - peace!  Peace that shall build a glad new world, and make for life’s increase.  O living Christ, who still dost all our burdens share,         Come now and dwell within the hearts of all men everywhere.

                                   - John Oxenham